Employment – What's New LaPorte?http://whatsnewlaporte.com
Our community homepageWed, 13 Dec 2017 04:41:40 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.1Milo, Holcomb unveil state’s new Next Level Jobs initiativehttp://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/08/16/milo-holcomb-unveil-states-new-next-level-jobs-initiative/
http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/08/16/milo-holcomb-unveil-states-new-next-level-jobs-initiative/#commentsThu, 17 Aug 2017 04:43:12 +0000http://whatsnewlaporte.com/?p=81351EDITOR’S NOTE: Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, was former LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo’s first day on the job as the state’s first-ever Secretary of Career Connections and Talent. She and Gov. Eric Holcomb started the day with a press conference in Brazil, IN, to unveil the new Next Level Jobs initiative. Below is a press release from the governor’s office. (To watch a video via Inside Indiana Business, click on this link: http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/clip/13592693/state-debuts-initiative-targeting-skills-gap)

Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Commissioner for Workforce Development (DWD) Steve Braun, Commissioner for Higher Education (CHE) Teresa Lubbers, and Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo today kicked off Indiana’s Next Level Jobs initiative and announced two new grant programs designed to put Hoosiers to work in high-demand, high-wage jobs as quickly as possible. The Workforce Ready Grant, created earlier this year by the Indiana General Assembly, will teach higher skills to adults to fill jobs in high-demand industries. The Employer Training Grant, developed by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, will help offset the costs employers assume when they train new employees in high-demand industries.

Together, these programs provide more than $20 million over the next two years for Hoosiers and employers for training and certifications that help Indiana meet current workforce demand. Applications for both grant programs are available at www.NextLevelJobs.org.

“Indiana’s unemployment rate has reached historic lows, and we currently have about 95,000 job openings around the state. Now more than ever, our state needs to ramp up efforts to prepare Hoosiers for the jobs available today—and for the one million more we expect over the next decade,” Holcomb said. “Next Level Jobs will drive our efforts to meet that demand and will put hardworking Hoosiers in high-need, high-wage careers.”

The Workforce Ready Grant was a key component of the governor’s Next Level legislative agenda and earned bipartisan support from lawmakers. The grant covers full tuition costs for adult learners to earn career certificates in high-growth sectors of Indiana’s economy: advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics. Hoosiers can earn these certificates through Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University campuses around the state. The first two years of the grants will be paid for through $4 million provided by the General Assembly plus more than $10 million CHE financial aid funds.

“The Workforce Ready Grant removes a key barrier for adult students to get the skills they need for a better-paying job in some of our state’s most in-demand industries,” Commissioner Lubbers said. “This grant launches the Next Level Jobs initiative with a powerful opportunity to improve Hoosiers’ lives and boost Indiana’s economy.”

The Employer Training Grant program will provide up to $2,500 per new employee to qualifying companies that train and retain new hires. DWD will launch a pilot of the grant for 2018 and 2019, paid for with $10 million in Career and Technical Education Innovation and Advancement Funds. The Employer Training Grant also targets key high-demand industries: advanced manufacturing, agriculture, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics.

“Helping Indiana companies offset the costs of training for new employees they retain in high-demand fields will help meet immediate workforce needs in our state,” Braun said. “Together with the Workforce Ready Grant, the Employer Training Grant will get Indiana’s Next Level Jobs Initiative off to a strong start.”

Indiana’s first Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo helped kick off Next Level Jobs today and will support the initiative by ensuring that Hoosiers are connected with these new grants and other programs available through the state. Additionally, Milo will ensure that employers are connected to the many post-secondary institutions, organizations and state programs that can help meet workforce demands.

“Connecting business leaders and employees will continue to be a key focus as workforce demands grow, as baby boomers retire and our economy expands and diversifies,” Milo said. “Next Level Jobs presents a streamlined way for Hoosiers and employers to access state resources and programs that help address our workforce needs.”

Short, simple applications for both the Workforce Ready and Employer grants are available online now at www.NextLevelJobs.org. After submitting an application, Hoosiers and employer applicants will receive individualized contact from DWD or an eligible training provider within 48 hours.

American Renolit, located at 1207 E. Lincolnway, is enlarging its facility, a move that is expected to result in 30 new jobs. Here are details:

Inside Indiana Business news release:

A German-owned company with a subsidiary in northwest Indiana has announced a $25 million investment in its LaPorte operation. American Renolit Corp. is planning to add 30 jobs by 2019 as a result of the expansion. American Renolit currently employs 175 in LaPorte and is looking to add production operators and maintenance technicians.

The manufacturer produces films used in the graphics, label, furniture and window industries.

American Renolit located to northwest Indiana in 1999 following an acquisition from Solvay group. In 2014, the company detailed a $1.5 million investment in space and equipment at the LaPorte operation.

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. says American Renolit’s current footprint is 220,000 square feet and the company has invested nearly $100 million in the city over the last 18 years.

President Renaat Demeulemeester says, “This capacity extension confirms Renolit’s leadership in the film market in the U.S., and I am proud that it demonstrates our drive to meet our customers’ current and future needs, and our strong commitment to the LaPorte community, and that it recognizes and rewards the dedication of our employees as a major contributor in the continued success of American Renolit Corporation.”

The company has been offered up to $275,000 in conditional tax credits from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Construction is expected to begin this year and is slated to be complete by the end of next year.

More from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation:

American Renolit has invested nearly $100 million in its LaPorte plant since purchasing the operations from the Solvay group in 1999. The company currently employs 175 associates and will hire production operators and maintenance technicians. Interested applicants may apply by emailing Melissa Gruber with human resources.

LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo said: “American Renolit has a long-standing history of success in LaPorte. Their international presence and leadership within the high-quality plastic film industry make them a perfect fit for our manufacturing sector and contribute to LaPorte’s reputation as a place where manufacturing thrives. I am excited to celebrate this expansion project with American Renolit, another spoke off the Hub of Awesome, and look forward to many more years of partnership with this great company.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered American Renolit up to $275,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The City of LaPorte will provide additional incentives through the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corporation.

Indiana is home to approximately 800 foreign-owned business establishments such as American Renolit, which provide more than 152,000 quality jobs for Hoosiers.

The 2nd annual Michigan City Community Job Fair will take place April 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Blue Chip Casino’s Stardust Room. Meet with employers, educators, training providers and community groups to plan your future!

Attendees are asked to wear business professional attire and bring resumes. Be prepared for potential on-site interviews.

For more information prior to the event, go to your local WorkOne office and stay updated at #MCJobFair2017 on Twitter.

The job fair is sponsored by WorkOne, the City of Michigan City, Michigan City Economic Development Corp. and Chamber of Commerce, and Blue Chip.

]]>http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/03/20/2nd-annual-michigan-city-community-job-fair-is-april-5/feed/0READ LaPorte County seeking to hire an Event Coordinatorhttp://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/02/20/read-laporte-county-seeking-to-hire-an-event-coordinator/
http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/02/20/read-laporte-county-seeking-to-hire-an-event-coordinator/#respondMon, 20 Feb 2017 21:47:34 +0000http://whatsnewlaporte.com/?p=77422READ LaPorte County Inc. is seeking to hire an Event Coordinator to coordinate fundraising and marketing events, such as the annual Spell Bowl and Scrabble Tournament fundraisers, Sunflower Fair booth, open house, and Arts in the Park marketing events. Tasks would include scheduling the venues, ordering and purchasing supplies, planning menus, decorating, scheduling volunteers, ensuring the events run smoothly, and attending board meetings. The amount of work time will fluctuate, but it will average out to no more than 25 hours per month over a year’s time. This is a contracted position that pays $15 an hour with no benefits. The supervisor is the director of READ LaPorte County Inc.

Primary responsibilities include:

–Establish timelines for each event to be approved by the board

–Calculate budgets and make sure they are adhered to

–Adhere to deadlines required by the venues and board

–Aid with soliciting donations for fundraising events

–Book entertainment and speakers when needed

–Select menus and refreshment supplies

–Visit venues to plan event layout and decorations

–Initiate, coordinate and/or participate in all efforts to publicize the events

–Design promotional materials

–Select and negotiate event space

–Secure sponsorships

–Create invitee lists

–Send out invitations and maintain registration lists

–Send out thank you’s after events

–Coordinate event evaluations

–Give reports and updates on activities to the board at each monthly meeting

–Keep an inventory of event materials

–Suggest fundraising and marketing ideas to the board

–Other duties as assigned

Contact Mary Hedge at mhedge8@comcast.net. More information about the organization is at readlaportecounty.org.

“The Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce is seeking a full-time professional to lead the chamber in day-to-day operations and set goals for the future of the organization. The president/CEO of the chamber is the chief executive and administrative officer and is responsible to the Board of Directors for the full range of activities, including coordination of the program of work, organizational structure and procedures, motivation of volunteers, managing income and expenditures, maintenance of membership, employment, training and supervision of staff, interpretation of policy, execution of short-term plans, development and execution of long-range planning, and setting the Chamber’s public policy goals for the state legislature.”

The chamber serves just over 300 member businesses and is a 5-star accredited chamber by the United States Chamber of Commerce.

Those interested in applying may send resumes and salary requirements to:

Dwight Graham, treasurer of the LaPorte County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors; Robert Kennedy, PNC Construction Club vice president; and Bob Long, executive director of LaPorte County Habitat for Humanity.

Information and photo provided by PNC
A Jan. 14 event will bring some of the region’s most successful contractors, engineers, architects and builders to PNC to mentor students and benefit Habitat for Humanity.
Members of the Purdue North Central Construction Club will host a networking luncheon at 11 a.m. in the PNC Library-Student-Faculty Building. This year the Construction Club is partnering with LaPorte County Habitat for Humanity to raise funds for the Building Homes and Strengthening Families challenge to help fund construction of the next Habitat home in LaPorte County. Bob Long, executive director of LaPorte County Habitat, will speak.
A 2014 Construction Club networking event raised more than $2,000 in tax-deductible donations for the club and for Habitat, and brought many professionals to PNC for the first time to chat with students in an informal setting. Students benefit by learning what employers look for when hiring, and contractors give their insights into the job market and skills required for the jobs their companies offer. Internships and full-time opportunities may be available.
Among companies planning to attend are: Berglund Construction, Chesterton; DA Dodd, Rolling Prairie; Burling Builders, Chicago; NIES Engineering, Hammond; Powers and Sons Construction, Gary; and Ziolkowski Construction, South Bend.
To RSVP and for more information, make a reservation at http://pnc-constructionclub.weebly.com/. PNC student admission is $10, individual admission is $30, and business sponsors admission is $200.

Join the Center Township Food Pantry/Resource Center for its grand opening and ribbon cutting at its new location, 1700 Lincolnway, Suite 7, on Friday, Oct. 16. This is the former Luigi’s site off West Lincolnway near its intersection with First Street.

The ribbon cutting, arranged by the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce, will take place at 5:30 p.m., with an open house being held from 5 to 8 p.m.

The pantry/resource center offers Center Township residents with aid in the form of food, toiletry items, resume services and job coaching. And ask about its crock pot program. The goal is to help Center Township residents become financially independent.

Light refreshments will be served at the Oct. 16 event and attendees will have the opportunity to tour the facility.

For more information about the Center Township Food Pantry/Resource Center, call (219) 380-4323 or visit its Facebook page. For more information about the chamber, visit www.lpchamber.com or call (219) 362-3178.

LaPorte County officials and JBC Rail Services hailed the arrival of the first new rail traffic at Kingsbury Industrial Park in more than 20 years as JBC Rail announced it had landed new customers who are now sending rail cars into the industrial park.

While rail traffic has used both South Shore Freight and CN lines for many years for existing customers at KIP, LaPorte County Office of Economic Development Director Dave Christian said “JBC’s investment in restoring rail lines north of Hupp Road has brought us new customers into the park for the first time in a long time.”

Jim Carroll, whose Illinois-based firm handles rail traffic for a number of Fortune 500 firms, commended the county for “a high level of cooperation and support in getting these new firms located here. While the new jobs will be modest at first, what I’ve found is that word gets around to the logistics community that we have shovel-ready sites in a rail-served industrial park and that becomes very attractive to them.”

JBC, in conjunction with C&D Rail, whose firm handled all the track work, built the new railyard at KIP in connection with Midwest Warehousing. Carroll said the “yard has the capacity to store 300 railcars right now and is looking to expand to 1,200 cars in 2016. In addition to railcar storage, the yard is equipped to do warehousing, transloading and light car maintenance. JBC’s vision for this rail yard is coming to fruition.”

“This county, through the leadership of the commissioners and the council, are focused like a laser on bringing new jobs and opportunities to the Kingsbury Industrial Park and JBC’s multimillion-dollar investment and success in already landing customers shows we’re on the right path,” Christian said.

]]>http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2015/09/24/county-hails-restoration-of-rail-lines-in-kingsbury-industrial-park/feed/0Sheriff’s department seeks applicants for patrol deputyhttp://whatsnewlaporte.com/2015/09/16/sheriffs-department-seeks-applicants-for-patrol-deputy/
http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2015/09/16/sheriffs-department-seeks-applicants-for-patrol-deputy/#respondThu, 17 Sep 2015 03:00:42 +0000http://whatsnewlaporte.com/?p=64976The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the position of merit patrol deputy. The starting salary for a patrol deputy is $40,750. LaPorte County offers employees an insurance package with eye and dental coverage available. Police officer certification through Indiana Law Enforcement will be provided to the successful candidate.

Applicants will be required to successfully complete the following:

— Physical fitness test (standards are taken from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy exit standards)

— Written test

— Voice stress analysis

— Background investigation

— Merit board interview

— Psychological exam

Applications may be picked up at the front desk of the sheriff’s office in the LaPorte County Complex, or may be downloaded at www.laportecountysheriff.com. Completed applications must be turned in no later than Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. Applications may be mailed to Major Jim Sosinski, 809 State St., LaPorte, IN 46350 or emailed to jsosinski@lcso.in.gov.

The former Woolworth’s building at 618 Lincolnway will be razed in 2015 to make way for a downtown plaza. (Google Earth image)

EDITOR’S NOTE: LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo issued these words of reflection on 2014 and a look ahead at 2015.

Milo

As we wrap up another year, it’s commonplace to review and celebrate the accomplishments and momentous occasions of the previous year. The City of LaPorte has much to celebrate as 2014 comes to a close, but a major contributor toward our successes is our insistence not to just sit back and congratulate ourselves on a job well done, but instead to challenge ourselves to ask, ”What’s next?”

Over the past three years we have focused on building the most conducive climate for economic development growth, providing for sustainable infrastructure needs and fostering a community dedication toward positive lifestyle choices. We’ve worked hard to become a community that believes in ourselves, sets goals and successfully achieves them. Hard work was required with some major hurdles to overcome after many setbacks of not just the national recession, but the results of property tax collection delays. Yet we did what is hard in order to achieve what is great because that is who our community team is and what we do. As we enter into 2015, LaPorteans are entering into an exciting time as the fruits of our labor are allowing us to begin to pivot from a crisis-management mode into one where we can start to dream and use the confidence of successful crisis management to propel us toward achieving newer, bolder dreams.

City government is never going to be flush with cash, nor should it be, and there are certainly still major hurdles ahead in the way of infrastructure maintenance costs. I’m confident, though, that our community and state officials are up to the task of working together to create solutions as we concurrently build a community that attracts current residents to want to stay and new residents to want to join us.

The New Porte Landing development area along Pine Lake Avenue. (Google Earth image)

Continuing the momentum of success that has been home-grown over 2014, here are just a few of the projects that we can look forward to building upon in 2015:

New Porte Landing and Thomas Rose Industrial Park: Preliminary Engineering (PE) design is continuing with a plan to complete by the beginning of February. The Redevelopment Commission is working to proceed with bond purchases before spring so that water, sewer, storm water, road and other utility infrastructure will begin construction in the Spring of 2015. These are HUGE steps forward in both of these key development areas of the community.

Downtown: The Redevelopment Commission has contracted the demolition of 618 Lincolnway (better known to some as the old Woolworth’s building) with the intent to establish a Downtown Plaza. The plaza is intended to serve as a draw for more residents to visit and utilize the downtown especially taking advantage of the adjacent Farmer’s Market, downtown movie nights and many other festivals in the spring through summer months. On Jefferson Avenue the construction of the Community Garden will be completed in order for Spring planting and growing to take place.

Workforce Development: The LaPorte Community School Corporation, City of LaPorte, Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce and Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC) are collaborating to help directly connect local businesses and industries with our students and showcase what career opportunities are available and, more, importantly provide guidance in how to gain the skillsets in order to be successful. Ivy Tech will open a LaPorte site in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park to begin teaching courses for acquiring the following certifications: Certified Production Technician (CPT), Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and specialized CNC machining.

Transportation: Upon the successful purchase of buses, targeted for Jan 2015, a Transit Triangle Route with stops in LaPorte, Michigan City and Purdue North Central will commence operations.

Public Safety: Both Fire and Police Departments will hire in order to return staffing levels back to full manpower levels. The return to full staffing will allow the Police Department to better organize for power shifts, increased community policing engagement as well as heighten Metro Unit participation. Increased manpower levels in the Fire Department will greatly reduce the levels of overtime payment required and contribute toward better balancing workload requirements.

Substance Abuse Mitigation: Support of the LaPorte County Drug Free Partnership, the LaPorte County Problem Solving Court, the LaPorte Community Schools Drug Free Task Force, and members of the rehabilitation community will continue. Outstanding rehabilitation services provided by organizations like Worthy Women Recovery and the Swanson Center will be complemented by the addition of Frontline Foundation’s outpatient rehabilitation center across from the Courthouse.

Roads and Sidewalks: With the accumulation of funds collected in 2014, the City of LaPorte will receive a greater return on their investment by putting funds toward both sidewalk and road maintenance projects (street paving). Another multi-year goal is the establishment of a Pavement Management System that will better survey and prioritize paving projects and budgets for long-term maintenance plans.

These are just a handful of the exhilarating projects to come in 2015 and beyond. As we celebrate with our community partners in the outstanding trends of growth and success — such as Alcoa Howmet’s addition of a second plant and 330 new jobs, Jaeger Unitek’s relocation and growth of over 62 new jobs, and Plastics Packaging’s relocation to LaPorte and addition of over 19 new jobs — we can build on our confidence to not only continue but grow this trend that has led us to a 3% unemployment rate. I look forward to continuing to lead our community team into a thrilling 2015! I thank you for an incredible job well done this year, Team LaPorte. Happy New Year and I can’t wait to keep building on what’s next!